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Command Chief for a Day: SrA Reynolds

Senior Airman Brandon Reynolds, 81st Surgical Operations Squadron medical technician, poses for a photo with Chief Master Sgt. Vegas Clark, 81st Training Wing command chief, in front of the Professional Development Center May 17, 2017, on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. He participated in the Command Chief for a Day program, which highlights outstanding enlisted performers from around the wing. Each Airman selected for the program spends a day shadowing Clark to learn what it takes to be a command chief. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

(This interview is Part 5 of an open-ended series featuring members of Team Keesler selected for the Command Chief for a Day program.)

Chief Master Sgt. Vegas Clark, 81st Training Wing command chief, created a program called Command Chief for a Day at Keesler which highlights outstanding enlisted performers from around the 81st TRW.

Each Airman selected as the “Command Chief for a Day” spends the day shadowing Clark to learn what it takes to be a command chief.

This month’s Command Chief for a Day participant is Senior Airman Brandon Reynolds from the 81st Surgical Operations Squadron.

How do you contribute to the 81st TRW mission?

The 81st TRW Medical clinic is not only the biggest facility on base, it is the home to many students. People are the Air Force’s most important asset. I am a part of a team that ensures military members and beneficiaries are taken care of medically in order to complete the overall mission and provide the necessary support for their families.

Keesler is a training base by no doubt and as a Phase II preceptor to incoming medical technicians, I am one of the mentors in the hospital taking the time to ensure these students coming though are trained as best as possible.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish while at Keesler?

While at Keesler, I hope to be selected for commissioning. I set out to complete my CCAF while being here, as well as becoming involved with an organization, and taking on leadership roles.

Fortunately, I graduated with my CCAF, was chosen as a Public Affairs representative for Airman Against Drunk Driving (AADD), became a Phase II preceptor, a point of contact for multiple functions and a Unit Safety representative for 81st MSGS.

I have been at Keesler for just over two and a half years now. The biggest thing I hope to accomplish now is to be selected for the Nurse Enlisted Commissioning Program (NECP) for the Fall 2017 semester and move on to nursing school.

What has been your biggest lesson learned in the Air Force?

The biggest lesson that I have learned in the Air Force is that it is a family a not a business. Everyone has a job to do, but we are more than just co-workers. As Airmen, we have each other’s back regardless of the situation, time of day, location or even if we are strangers or best friends.

Everyone is here to help develop and support one another rather than compete and use each other to only better ones self.

The lesson learned is that we truly believe that our strength is only as strong as our weakest link. This is why we train to become the best in our career field, the best Wingmen, and the best possible Airman.

Who inspires you?

My family is the main source of my inspiration. They are my backbone. They motivate and drive me to keep pushing through every obstacle that is thrown at me. They make me want to be the best possible version of myself and push me past my comfort zones to enhance not only my character, but my career.

What is your number one goal?

My number one goal is to make the Air Force a career. I hope to do this as an officer in the Nurse Corps. Even as a medical technician, I would love to remain in the Air Force as long as possible.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years, I see myself at my 13-14 year mark in the Air Force. I see myself as a high ranking Nurse Corps officer with a Master’s Degree and specialized in some form of medical specialty, such as an Operating Room Nurse or Certified Nurse Anesthetist.

Unrelated, in 10 years, I also hope to see my other passions develop such as woodworking/refurbishing, working on cars, and creating some form of dog rescue/boarding business for abandoned/homeless dogs. I would like to use my medical knowledge and incorporate it into animal care of some sort one day.